颐
YíUpper: Mountain · 艮 · Lower: Thunder · 震
Judgment贞吉。观颐，自求口实。
In plain wordsStaying on the right course is fortunate; look at how others are nourished and how they seek their own food. Eating and speaking both relate to self-cultivation, so nourish others and yourself properly.
The imageMountain above, thunder below: thunder under the mountain, with two solid lines like upper and lower jaws and a hollow between them, a picture of the mouth and of nourishment.
A hint for youPay attention to what you eat and what you say: keep your meals regular and your words careful, and ask what kinds of people and things you are nourishing. Look after yourself first, then you can care for others.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九舍尔灵龟，观我朵颐，凶。The first line, undivided, (seems to be thus addressed), 'You leave your efficacious tortoise, and look at me till your lower jaw hangs down.' There will be evil.
- 六二颠颐，拂经，于丘颐，征凶。The second line, divided, shows one looking downwards for nourishment, which is contrary to what is proper; or seeking it from the height (above), advance towards which will lead to evil.
- 六三拂颐，贞凶，十年勿用，无攸利。The third line, divided, shows one acting contrary to the method of nourishing. However firm he may be, there will be evil. For ten years let him not take any action, (for) it will not be in any way advantageous.
- 六四颠颐吉，虎视眈眈，其欲逐逐，无咎。The fourth line, divided, shows one looking downwards for (the power to) nourish. There will be good fortune. Looking with a tiger's downward unwavering glare, and with his desire that impels him to spring after spring, he will fall into no error.
- 六五拂经，居贞吉，不可涉大川。The fifth line, divided, shows one acting contrary to what is regular and proper; but if he abide in firmness, there will be good fortune. He should not, (however, try to) cross the great stream.
- 上九由颐，厉吉，利涉大川。The sixth line, undivided, shows him from whom comes the nourishing. His position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.
Nourishment; mind what you take in
For entertainment and self-reflection only